Using the services of a software architect in the team makes it possible to avoid expensive project redesigns and eliminates several additional problems. Contributing to such an employee guarantees the efficiency of the entire team. In cases where developers understand the architecture and know how to work with software design, then for small projects, a software solutions architect may be optional.
The responsibilities of a Software Solution Architect
Software architects create new products in the marketplace and participate in all project processes:
- testing;
- development;
- management.
The main functions are always the same, regardless of the company's activity:
- Defining the software architecture of the project and communicating with customers, managers, and developers.
- Making significant development and design decisions.
- Determining programming languages, development environments, and other technical parameters should be used to implement the software.
- Constantly checking the code for operability and compliance with requirements.
- Helping the team to achieve their goals.
These are the primary responsibilities, but you should additionally understand what skills the Solution Architect should have
if you plan to hire them for the team.
Solution architecture in the context of corporate and technical architecture
Source.Skills of a Software Solution Architect
Many software architects start their careers as programmers, but not all can achieve great results. Understanding the skills that will be significant to the architect to recruit a skilled worker to the team is important.
Essential skills for a solution architect.
Source.Technical expertise
Targeting candidates with extensive technical knowledge for a specific project is best. This will help distinguish a developer from an architect, as the former specializes in only 1-2 technology stacks.
Up-to-date knowledge is what's most needed. The best employees are innovative and open to new ideas and new skills. They will always be one step ahead. In-depth knowledge of software development methods, and technologies, including different programming languages and frameworks, is a significant plus. You can hire a software solutions architect who knows how to work with software design patterns, understand architecture and modularity, and learn how to divide tasks.
Communication skills
Employees need to clearly and effectively communicate technical features and formulate their thoughts to convey information to the stakeholders in simple words. All ideas and solutions must be presented so that a person without a technical background understands how the work is built, what stage the project is at, etc.
In addition, the architect will need to talk about the client's needs to other team members using technical terms.
Thinking
There are several features in this category. Before finding a solutions architect, a small list should be made. The employee should think strategically about the long-term development of the project. This will help identify and prioritize key tasks, features, and software capabilities to satisfy clients/businesses. In addition, this approach will help analyze risks and reduce potential problems that may occur during
software development.
Engineering thinking is also essential because any professional architect should be interested in architecture.
When launching new systems, studying the components and other components is necessary.
Creative and out-of-the-box thinking is also a big plus for management. Hiring remote workers with this skill will allow control over the project because simple developers are used to following the standard without deviating from the plan. A successful software architect is used to working independently, so they do not worry about the team's opinion. A professional employee in this area can convince colleagues that his idea will 100% work.
Problem-solving
A logical and structured approach to complex tasks will help solve problems. Evaluating and identifying different options is an excellent skill for the candidate. Architects should be creative and critical thinkers, allowing for innovative solutions when challenges arise.
Leadership qualities
A software architect should also motivate and lead a team of developers and support the team to implement the set goals successfully. Any disputes and conflicts must be quickly resolved. All this helps
to develop the software to meet the needs of the business.
Coding Skills
Programming experience is optional for the candidate, but when working with a remote employee, knowledge of programming languages and using them according to the standards of modern approaches is a big plus. In some cases, the architect may need to do some coding.
Hiring a software architect
Many options allow you to find a software solution architect. Describing all of them doesn't make sense, so only the most useful and popular solutions are presented below.
An example of an enterprise architecture.
Source.Message Boards
The demand for IT skills is growing every year, resulting in the emergence of narrowly targeted job boards.
Platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are in demand today. Professional software architects can be brought on board after creating a full-fledged profile on such platforms and placing ads. Including a company logo and URL is recommended, which allows you to attract qualified employees immediately.
With this approach, it is possible to reduce hiring costs. Sites can use filters to find people with specific skills and experience, then contact them directly for interviews.
Pros:
- The method helps you reach a broad audience.
- You can connect to multiple niche job boards or use general employment tools.
- Ability to build an excellent online reputation.
- A good element to advertise a company when looking for new employees.
- Simplified interviewing and job placement.
Among the disadvantages are numerous resumes from possible candidates, which must be carefully studied. There is no guarantee that the architect will have enough experience for companies, so it takes time to find professional workers quickly.
Recruiting agencies
If there is not enough time to study resumes and select candidates, you can turn to recruiting companies for hiring. They have a complete database and other tools for a quality selection of people. Firms screen and evaluate candidates, conduct interviews, review applicants' backgrounds, etc.
Pros:
- Time savings.
- Focusing on qualified people who have experience and the right skills.
Of course, the cost of this approach is higher than using bulletin boards.
Outsource companies
In this case, the design, creation, maintenance, and other tasks are performed by a 3rd party. In other words, developer certification is transferred to software stack specialists.
The main advantages are:
- Cost and time savings.
- Ability to choose from many experienced personnel.
- Support of operations with legal advice and support of the product after its implementation.
Among the disadvantages is that the reputation of the company's employees is not associated with outsourcing services.
Freelancers
Hiring freelancers has been a prevalent type of hiring in recent years. It is cost-effective and more profitable than hiring a full-time employee; activities can be conducted in any location.
Advantages:
- Inexpensive type of service, a quality replacement for a full-time employee.
- Wide choice of qualified architects anywhere in the world.
You must be prepared for management issues when choosing freelancers, given time zones and lack of personal contact. These employees have less job involvement and need more motivation than permanent staff.
The exact choice of method and approach depends only on financial and other resources and needs.
Recommendations for сhoosing a good software architect
The following tips will help to increase the chances of finding a qualified software architect quickly and effectively. People in the interview should be encouraged by their recent accomplishments. They should talk about their competencies on their own. To do this, you need to watch their movements, their emotional behavior. The best people are "energized" by outlining solutions, explanations, and detailed discussions. There should be enthusiasm and visible energy in what they are saying/doing.
- Pay more attention to descriptions of solutions. This kind of indicator helps to identify what the candidate is saying quickly. The effortless delivery of a complex concept indicates the skill to offer the complex with the simple. This factor will reveal communication abilities as well.
Interview Questions
Many questions help you hire a solution architect. They are used to determine the experience and qualifications of the future administrator:
- How can the program structure be documented?
- What does a standard software architecture document include?
- How can you organize continuous quality control of software code?
- Describe the most recent software architecture design and its role in it.
- What is your approach to software design?
- How did you adapt to changes while working on the project, or what actions did you use when changing priorities?
- Talk in non-technical terms about the technical concept of the project.
- Describe your experience working with developers.
- Your methods for managing risk when working with the software.
- What methods have you used to explore new technologies, innovations, sources to track changes and software architecture?
During the interview, it is important to ask those questions that help determine the person's experience, skills, and suitability for the tasks.
The price of hiring a Software Architect
A significant factor is the cost of such a person's work. Software architects can be hired at different prices, depending on the country. In the world, consultants' salaries are calculated in hours and below are the results of the average weighted by exchanges, using information from Glassdoor and PayScale.
Pyramid showing the path of certification to the architect.
Source.
- United States — $65/hour.
- United Kingdom — $50/hour.
- Germany — $42/hour.
- Ukraine — $32/hour.
In Ukraine, the price of services is up to 2 times lower than in the U.S. and other countries, but the level of knowledge, approach, and competence is not inferior. As a result, remote employees in this industry are becoming increasingly in demand.
Why hire a software architect at Merehead?
Financial, gaming, and other software is Merehead's area of expertise. Our team has already completed various projects that have been running successfully for more than a year. Relationships with clients last for years, even after project implementation. In recent years we have been actively developing and implementing architecture based on microservices; we have our technological stacks and other advantages.
What we are ready to offer to our clients:
- Modern, innovative technology. These are not just elements that are required to improve the software. Clients always get real examples of the structure's full functionality and context.
- Transparency of work, thanks to product block diagrams that show the interface of the future system graphically.
- Data protection.
- Targeted architecture in the form of separate documentation that defines development periods for specific solutions based on project needs.
Merehead also provides opportunities to find a software architect. All employees are pre-screened, which includes a detailed review of resumes. This is followed by a connection with the best team members in the field of software, an interview to evaluate communication skills, and other data. Additionally, we conduct an English-language intake, which our company requires.
The next step is discussing with a technical expert to determine skills in programming languages, frameworks, and other software development technologies.